A comparison of a direct search method and a genetic algorithm for conformational searching

We present results from the application of two conformational searching methods genetic algorithms GA and direct search methods for nding low energy conformations of organic molecules GAs are in a class of biologically motivated optimization methods that evolve a population of individuals where individuals who are more t have a higher probability of surviving into subsequent generations The parallel direct search method PDS is a type of pattern search method that uses an adaptive grid to search for minima Both methods found energies equal to or lower than the energy of the relaxed crystal structure in all cases at a relatively small cost in CPU time We suggest that either method would be a good candidate to nd D conformations in a large scale screening application